headstrong brother now. But scoring points off Edward was not Bruces
main concern. It was the maintenance of his own magnificent team of
lieutenants and friends in harmony, as one of the most effective
fighting units in all Christendom. Much was worth sacrificing for
that. He shrugged.
The safety of my own realm is paramount, and must come first, he went on.
I must deal with John MacDougall. But it may be that this can wait until, let us say, the end of June. I shall speak with the Lord of the Isles. I may be able to persuade him to come here to the SouthWest, in mid-May, a month from this. With his galleys. To carry the Irish expedition across. And then to return for the assault on MacDougall. This I will seek to do. Is it agreed?
Heartfelt applause greeted this suggestion, this gesture, from all parts of the hall, so that Edward was constrained to join in. He was aware that he had been in some measure out-manoeuvred, made to look slightly foolish, and put in his brothers debt. But at least his project could go ahead.
My lord Chancellor, the King turned.
My regrets that I have for so long obstructed your place and function.
To the next business.
Bernard de Linton bowed.
I declare the matter of the Act of Succession to the Throne, to be
decided by this parliament. It has long been His Graces concern that
in the event of his death, without a son, the succession should be
secured, in proper fashion, for the due maintenance and good governance
of the kingdom. Since Almighty God has seen fit, in His infinite
wisdom, to deny His Grace such lawful son, the King has hereby sought
to make such provision, and now declares the matter for this
parliaments acceptance, or otherwise. He paused.
Hear, then. It is the Kings wish and proposal that, in the event of his own death without a son being born to him in wedlock, his right noble and well-beloved brother Edward, Earl of Carrick and Lord of Galloway, does thereupon succeed to the throne as lawful King of Scots. And should the said Lord Edward die without lawful son, before or after, the said succession shall revert to His Grace the Lord Roberts daughter, the Lady Marjory, and any heirs to her body. Is this accepted and agreed?
There was a mixed reception and little enthusiasm. Few there, even amongst those who most admired his dash and spirit, considered that Edward would make a satisfactory monarch. Yet the alternative was a spiritless girl who most clearly desired no part in kingship. A regency, to rule, while Marjory reigned, might have been better-except that the regent would have to be Edward, and if he was going to rule, he might as well be the King. And, if there was -suggested a triumvirate of regents, say Moray and another, Edward would seek to dominate, inevitably; all the troubles of the old Guardianship days would be renewed. The assembly signified assent, that was all.
The Chancellor nodded.
It is the Kings added proposal that in the Act to be drawn up to make this parliaments decision lawful and binding, it should be stated that, if the said Lord Edward, or the said Lady Marjory, should die leaving a male heir who is a minor, in that event the most noble Thomas, Earl of Moray, His Graces sisters son, should administer the governance of the realm until such heir reached due age. Is this agreed?
There was more general applause for this.
Furthermore, and related to this matter, it is His Graces royal pleasure and satisfaction to make known to his loyal lieges of all Estates here assembled, that he has decided to bestow the hand of his daughter, the said Lady Marjory, upon his leal and true councillor and friend, the noble Lord Walter, High Steward of Scotland.
Which match he believes will well serve the realm and well please all those here present.
The shout of acclaim which greeted this announcement proved that belief true, at least. Everywhere men cheered. It had been feared that Marjory would never many; and Walter Stewart was well liked, of good blood and sufficiently lofty in rank to satisfy all.
Or nearly all. The young Earl of Menteith looked glum, as did his
uncle, Sir John Stewart The Earl of Strathearn, though not quite so
young, was unmarried and had had his eye on Marjory likewise; he did
not look overjoyed. Nor, for that matter, did the Earl of Carrick
himself. But such doubtful looks were confined to the earls
benches.
At the Kings signal, Walter Stewart rose in his seat amongst the great officers of state, and bowed modestly, flushing a little. It was a notable moment for the House of Stewart.
Eyes rose to search the minstrels gallery, on this occasion reserved for a few privileged lady spectators, in case the bride-to-be had slipped in to join her stepmother and aunts, there from the beginning. Such searchers were disappointed.
What have you for us further, my lord Chancellor? Bruce asked.
Certain forfeitures, grants and appointments, Your Grace …
The drama was over for the day-and men were only anxious to escape from the over-warm hall to discuss it all. The remainder of the programme was rattled through in record time.
After his formal retiral, the King summoned his brother to a small private room of the castle. There they faced each other alone.
Edward, Bruce said shortly, You will now give me such explanation as you may.
Is any required? the other demanded, equally brief.
I would have thought the matter sufficiently clear.
I had hoped, for your sake, that there might be some reason, something I knew not of. To excuse you a little.
I do not look for excuses, Edward returned.
You should know me better.
I it was who sought excuses for you. For my brother.
Then spare yourself, my good Robert! And me. I did what I did because it was the only way to force your agreement. To the Irish project. You would not have it, otherwise. I knew it to be the right course. To bring the English to heel. But you would have none of it. So I forced your hand. You will thank me, one day!
I do not thank you now. Think you I have not considered this Irish matter as deeply as you have done? And decided against it, with good reason. It is too dangerous. Its success depends on others than ourselves. There lies the greatest danger. That, and maintaining supplies by sea. Remember it. But you have, as you intended, forced my hand. You have set up your judgement against mine, and acted in secret to enforce it, to constrain me. That is neither the action of a brother, nor yet of a loyal subject.
Of a mercy, Robert-forget that you are a king, for a moment!Remember that you are just your fathers son, as am I -save that you happened to be born first! And he was a fool! We are not playacting now, before your parliament or Court. Have I not as much right to do as I believe to be right, as have you?
I would remind you, brother, that you took your oath of fealty to me, as your liege lord.
The other snorted.
I did as much to Edward Plantagenet, once!
As did you!
So! Loyalty means nothing to you? As brother or subject!
It means that I shall serve you, and the realm, to the best of my ability and my wits. As I have done. My ability. And my wits. And, for a while, in Ireland!
I see. So now we have it. I marvel that you dare to speak so. To me. Even you, Edward. When I could have you silenced so easily.
Clapped in the pit of this castle, to wait until you learned your
duty.
Could-but will not. Will not, Robert! I know you too well.
To do that you would require to be a different man from what you are. And a fool, into the bargain-which you are not. For many think more of me than you do!